What are the consequences of buying a used motorcycle without transferring ownership?
2 Answers
Buying and selling a used vehicle with only a signed agreement but without transferring ownership means the previous owner can still use the vehicle as collateral, potentially harming the interests of the new owner. According to Article 31 of the 'Road Traffic Accident Handling Regulations': 'If the motor vehicle driver is temporarily unable to compensate, the driver's employer or the owner of the motor vehicle is responsible for making the payment.' If the ownership transfer is not completed, the legal owner remains the original owner. This means that if someone else causes an accident with the vehicle, you may still be held liable, and if the person flees, you could bear full responsibility. Additionally, for the buyer, even though you possess the used vehicle, the ownership has not been legally transferred to your name, which could lead to disputes in the future.
I've been riding motorcycles for decades and seen it all. Buying a used motorcycle without transferring ownership is a recipe for trouble. When the police check your bike and see it's not registered under your name, they'll fine you and impound it without hesitation. Then you'll have to spend a fortune to get it back - is that a price worth paying? If the original owner has debts or flees after an accident, creditors or victims will come after you directly, claiming you didn't transfer ownership, potentially leaving you holding the bag for huge compensation. I remember my neighbor Old Wang tried to save money by skipping the transfer. When his bike got stolen, insurance wouldn't pay out, and during the investigation the registered owner denied all responsibility. In the end, Old Wang had to pay for repairs himself and went through exhausting lawsuits. The transfer process is so simple - just visit the DMV, fill out some forms, pay a small fee (at most a couple hundred bucks), and it's done in a day. The peace of mind you get in return is priceless. Develop good habits, ride without hidden dangers.
